夏朝, or the Xia Dynasty, is considered the first dynasty in traditional Chinese history, existing from around 2070 to 1600 BCE. It is known for establishing a hereditary monarchy and is often credited with the development of early Chinese civilization, including advancements in agriculture, bronze metallurgy, and social organization. The historical existence of the Xia Dynasty is debated among scholars, as it is primarily recorded in ancient texts like the Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian. Archaeological evidence, such as the Erlitou culture, suggests that a complex society existed during this period, but definitive proof of the dynasty's rule remains elusive.